Questions About Second Treatise of Government (Hackett Classics)

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This book tops the list of "Books Employed to Greatly Harmful Ends." Why is that? I have not read it yet

Sinta It is essentially the original text outlining liberalism (the inspiration for neo-liberalism). Depending on your political leanings, the way his argum…moreIt is essentially the original text outlining liberalism (the inspiration for neo-liberalism). Depending on your political leanings, the way his arguments have been used to justify colonization and the obsession with rampant economic growth under capitalism despite widespread environmental degradation and social inequality can definitely be described as 'harmful'. For example, his conception of private property is an important concept that capitalism rests on.

However, this is debatable. He does outline certain constraints that aren't acknowledged in the actual practice of capitalism, therefore some argue 'pure liberalism' is not actually inherently harmful. (less)

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